Southampton's Aribo prioritising move to Saudi Arabia amid Villarreal, RB Leipzig, Besiktas links

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report with certainty that Joe Aribo is prioritising a move to the Saudi Pro League amid speculation linking the Nigeria international with clubs in the German Bundesliga, Turkey and Spain's La Liga in the summer transfer window.

Aribo, who has entered the final year of his contract with Southampton, has informed the club’s hierarchy of his desire to seek a new challenge before the transfer window closes.

It is believed the Saints are willing to sanction his departure if their valuation is met.

Amid uncertainty over his future, the left-footed midfielder was omitted from Southampton’s season opener against Wrexham and featured sparingly in pre-season, a sign he does not figure prominently in manager Will Still's plans.

Aribo was not involved in friendlies against Brighton & Hove Albion and Eastleigh, was an unused substitute against Espanyol, played the second half against CD Castellón, started against Valenciennes and came off the bench against Gillingham.

While Villarreal, Beşiktaş and RB Leipzig have been mooted as possible destinations, the Super Eagles star is confirmed to be targeting one final lucrative move before the twilight of his career, with Saudi Arabia his preferred option.

Since joining Southampton from Rangers in the summer of 2022, Aribo has registered nine goals and one assist in 104 appearances across all competitions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com